Date Posted 22 May 2024
The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) Regional Office V, led by OIC Regional Director Mary Anne R. Molina, successfully conducted the 2024 Abaca Stakeholders Forum on April 24, 2024, at the Patio de San Jose Resort and Convention Center in San Jose, Malilipot, Albay. In her welcome address, Regional Director Molina emphasized the importance of open, constructive dialogue among abaca industry stakeholders to address the challenges facing the sector. The one-day forum featured presentations and an open forum, fostering an environment for key players and industry experts to discuss strategies for sustainable growth, innovation, and collaboration within the industry.
The forum saw active participation from various sectors, including indigenous peoples, farmers, traders, processors, Grading-Baling Establishments (GBEs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), Local Government Units (LGUs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Albay Governor Grex Lagman, represented by Provincial Agriculturist Cheryll O. Rebeta, highlighted the urgency of organizing abaca farmers into cooperatives of 15-20 members to access the Philippine Rural Development Project – Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PRDP-PCIP) for abaca. Mr. Jason Gonzales, representing Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla of DA Regional Field Office V, commended PhilFIDA-V for its efforts to equip farmers with technical knowledge and skills in abaca production and disease management. He emphasized the need for concerted efforts to restore the abaca industry’s former glory and highlighted the importance of bright ideas to regain the Philippines’ status as the world’s top producer of quality abaca fiber. He also encouraged everyone to strive hard for the achievement of Masaganang Agrikultura at Maunlad na Ekonomiya Dala ng Industriya ng Pag-aabaka.
OIC-Executive Director Evelyn B. Cagasan, through OIC-Planning Division Ms. Grace Aurora F. Pastores, congratulated Region V as one of main contributor that the country’s maintain its dominance in the global abaca market, supplying 86% of the world’s abaca fiber requirements. She also discussed PhilFIDA’s focus on increasing abaca production, mechanization, meeting local market demand through the distribution of Modified Abaca Stripping Knife (MASK) and Mobile Spindle Stripping Machine (MSSM), and expanding the uses of fibercrafts. The forum also featured discussions on internal and external factors affecting the market performance of the abaca industry, regulatory policies, and good agricultural practices. The insights gained from this forum are expected to guide the formulation of policies, programs, and initiatives that will drive the abaca industry forward, fostering greater collaboration and innovation among stakeholders.
